Macomb Gardens and Greenspaces:
Exploring Homegrown Beauty in Our Backyard
See your garden or greenspace in print next Spring
〰️
See your garden or greenspace in print next Spring 〰️
Submit your garden story
for a chance to be featured in this unique hardcover book
A passion project authored by SCS native Sarah Carter-Wallace, Macomb Gardens and Greenspaces: Exploring Homegrown Beauty in Our Backyard is a locally-grown collage of the best flora and foliage Macomb County, Michigan has to offer.
Honestly, this project has selfish roots.
If you’re anything like me, you can probably relate to the problem: so many fun gardening ideas and beautiful plant species to play with - but only so much time and yard space!
This project was my solution. You and I now get to live vicariously through our talented neighbors. I’ll take you on garden tours, inside local businesses, and across a farm or two. Learn from fellow green thumbs and get inspired for your own gardening journey.
If you’re a Macomb County resident or business AND you have a great garden or greenspace, tell me about it using the form below. You might see your story in print next spring!
What’s The Catch?
There isn’t one - for real! Macomb Gardens and Greenspaces is all about bringing beauty and community to our little patch of Southeast Michigan. You can submit your story FOR FREE. No garden or greenspace is excluded from review so long as it’s in Macomb County.
As of spring 2026, I’m Particularly Interested in Stories from…
Armada
Bruce
Center Line
Eastpointe
Fraser
Lenox
New Baltimore
New Haven
Ray
Richmond
Romeo
Roseville
Utica
+ Apartment / Balcony Gardens
+ Farms & Agro Business
+ Retailers
But First, the Fine Print
Eligibility Requirements
Macomb County residents and businesses only
1
How do I Submit My Story?
Using the form at the bottom of this page - fill out your information and include photos
2
After I Submit My story…
Sarah will personally review all submissions; due to page limitations, submission does not guarantee an interview or inclusion in the book
3
How Will I know if My Submission is Accepted?
4
If your garden or greenspace seems like it may be a good fit, Sarah will work to schedule an in-person interview and photo session in the season(s) of your choice; please note that it may take a few weeks to hear back (Sarah is a busy stay-at-home-mom and under the thumb of a very demanding toddler)
What Happens During An Interview?
5
Sarah will record audio of the interview while her photographer takes photos - all you have to do it chat! NOTE: getting an interview does not guarantee inclusion in the book
Post-Interview
Sarah will reach out via email with additional questions during winter writing season
6
Pre-Publication & Print!
Participants will receive a final, print-ready copy of their section via email for review prior to print - you will have the ability to make edits or fully withdraw from the project within one week of this email.
Participants will not receive payment of any kind. Participants are not required to purchase any copies of the book for individual or retail purposes. Published participants will receive one free OR at-cost copy of the book.
7
About the Author
Sarah Carter-Wallace is an independent author based out of Metro Detroit. She tells place-based stories about the people who build sweat equity into their homes, gardens, and economies.
Sarah’s work is grounded in faith, community, and the conviction that everyday life is well worth documenting.
tell your story
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Spring 2027
-
Pre-orders will go live in fall 2026 via this website. Final retail and e-commerce details to follow.
-
Macomb Gardens is a one-woman operation and replies to submissions may take several weeks. Sarah thanks you for your patience as she is at the whim of a very opinionated toddler at home :-)
-
Sarah regrets that not all submissions will be selected for the final book due to space limitations. This is not a criticism of your story whatsoever.
If it were possible (and sadly it’s not), Sarah would print a 500+ page book and include everyone!
-
Bringing neighbors together and building community through our beautifying shared interests. Macomb Gardens is also a great way to showcase the true heart and soul of our county and immortalizing her heartfelt stories in print.
-
Nope! This is a one-run, limited edition hardcover book. The choice to publish in print only was very intentional - to promote a piece of art that encapsulates the spirit of our community and encourage offline living.
-
Submit your story and share this website with your friends! Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for exclusive excerpts and publication updates.